Congo, Democratic Republic - Telecommunications/E/ectricCongo (DR) - Telecommunications
The DRC’s communications network epitomizes the country’s unpredictable blend of 21st century technology and glaring insufficiencies. Advanced telecommunications and modern courier services are often available, but landline telephone system and state postal services are unreliable or non-existent. The DRC also has several cellular phone providers and numerous private radio-telephone networks. However, the cellular networks are not fully linked and suffer from overload and occasional service interruption. Many people subscribe to at least two or more different service providers; satellite phones are popular for remote areas in the interior of the country. The DRC’s major cellular phone providers are Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo, Orange and Africell. International links are easier and more efficient than domestic networks. International courier services (e.g. DHL, FedEx, UPS) are available in the major cities. Many large firms have their own radio-telephone systems, including satellite uplinks. The DRC also has a growing number of private internet service providers (ISPs).
Dialing instructions:
To dial from outside the DRC: (+ or 00) + 243 (country code) + the ten digit number provided (drop the first zero if included). Dialing within the DRC: Use only the ten digit number, always starting with zero.